Candida or candidiasis is the overgrowth of yeast called candida albicans in the body. This yeast can form in the moist folds of the body like the mouth, vagina etc. Candida results mainly due to unhealthy diet patterns, which means a diet low in nutrition, or a lifestyle revolving around excessive use of antibiotics.
One can begin to sense the symptoms of candida, when one experiences a sore throat, and pain while swallowing food or saliva, and a coating of soreness on the inner cheeks and tongue.
The symptoms for candida in the vagina are constant itching, pain while passing urine or during intercourse, and a slight burning sensation in the vagina. Sometimes itching under the breasts could also mean candida.
Worse still is the systemic candida, which kills the good bacteria in the body. The microorganisms overgrow and travel to penetrate different parts of the body, which results in sinus, respiratory problems, fatigue and frequent headache and migraine.
Candida is curable and there are many home remedies for candida to check and cure it. The simplest of home remedies for candida is making alterations in one’s diet. Unhealthy foods like those containing yeast and starch must be discontinued immediately. Dairy products and foods containing sugar should be avoided as much as possible.
Gargling is also one of the most convenient and inexpensive home remedies for candida. By mixing a few drops of tea tree oil in warm water and gargling the mouth thoroughly with it, one is sure to get relief on the tongue and the inner cheeks.
Grapefruit seed extract is an excellent candida cure too. This is used in combination with anti-Candida diet, and can be consumed in the liquid form or in the form of capsules.
Tea tree oil also helps in the treatment of vaginal yeast infection. A few drops of this oil can be applied onto a tampon or gauge bandage and left in the vagina for few hours. This should be changed 3-4 times a day for effective results.
Yogurt contains live lactobacillus acidophilus, which is good bacteria and can be consumed to keep the candida albicans away. A tampon or gauge bandage can be dipped in it to insert the same in the vagina, and be changed 3-4 times a day for 2-3 days to experience relief.
Another one of the useful home remedies for candida could be douching to clean the vagina. A solution can be prepared by mixing 1-tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 garlic clove, and 2 cups of water, and letting it rest for a while. The vagina can then be douched with this.
One could further take precautions by not spraying any deodorants and perfumes near the vagina. Also, women should avoid nylon underwear, as it does not permit free inflow of air. Instead loose fitting cotton undergarments should be used.
In cases where there is no relief from home remedies for candida even after 2-3 days, or if the symptoms cannot be clearly understood, it is best to take medical advice without any delay or hesitation.
Read more Home Remedies for Candida. Also know useful Home Remedies for Heartburn.